Growth Solutions for

Individuals & Businesses

(GSIB LLC)

Growth Solutions for

Individuals & Businesses

(GSIB LLC)

Take Charge of Your Motivation: The Locus Rule.

Motivation can sometimes feel like a mystery. Why do some people keep pushing forward while others give up? A fascinating study conducted in 1998 at Columbia University by Professor Claudia M. Mueller sheds light on this question, revealing the power of the locus of control. Let’s explore how this idea can help you stay motivated, no matter your age.

A Study in Motivation

In the study, a large group of fifth graders was given challenging puzzles to solve. Regardless of their actual performance, all the kids were told they did exceptionally well, scoring better than most of their peers. Afterward, the students were divided into two groups:

  • Group 1: Told they succeeded because they worked hard.

  • Group 2: Told they succeeded because they were smart and gifted.

Next, the students were presented with three types of puzzles: easy, medium, and very challenging. Here’s what happened:

  • The “smart” group spent most of their time on the easy puzzles, avoiding the harder ones. They spent less time overall on the puzzles and reported enjoying the experiment less.

  • The “worked hard” group focused on the harder puzzles, spent more time overall trying to solve them, and reported enjoying the experience.

The Key Insight: Locus of Control

This experiment highlights the importance of the locus of control—the degree to which people believe they have control over their lives.

  • External locus of control: People believe that external factors, like luck or innate ability, determine their success. The kids praised for being smart fell into this category, leading to lower motivation.

  • Internal locus of control: People believe that their actions and effort determine their success. The kids praised for hard work developed this mindset, leading to higher motivation and enjoyment.

Why Does This Matter?

When you have an internal locus of control, you:

1. Stay motivated even when things get tough.

2. Feel empowered to solve problems.

3. Enjoy challenges because you believe your effort makes a difference.

In contrast, an external locus of control can make you feel helpless and unmotivated, as if nothing you do really matters.

Here are some practical examples that even a 12-year-old can use to develop an internal locus of control:

1. Schoolwork

  • External Locus Thinking: “I got a bad grade because the test was too hard.”

  • Internal Locus Thinking: “I didn’t study enough, so I’ll spend 20 minutes each day reviewing my notes for the next test.”

What to Do: Create flashcards or ask a friend or parent to quiz you. Celebrate when your hard work improves your grade.

2. Friendship Problems

  • External Locus Thinking: “My friend is ignoring me for no reason.”

  • Internal Locus Thinking: “Maybe I said something that upset them. I’ll ask if they’re okay and apologize if I need to.”

What to Do: Take responsibility for your actions and make an effort to fix problems.

3. Sports or Hobbies

  • External Locus Thinking: “I’m not good at soccer because I’m just not athletic.”

  • Internal Locus Thinking: “I’ll practice my dribbling every day to get better.”

What to Do: Set small, achievable goals like practicing for 15 minutes daily and track your progress.

4. Chores at Home

  • External Locus Thinking: “It’s not fair that I have to clean my room.”

  • Internal Locus Thinking: “If I clean my room now, I’ll have more time to play later. Plus, I’ll feel good about having a clean space.”

What to Do: Make it a game. Set a timer and see how fast you can tidy up, then reward yourself with a fun activity.

How to Build an Internal Locus of Control

Developing this mindset is easier than you think. Here are simple steps you can take:

Solve Problems Actively

If something isn’t going well, figure out how to fix it. For example:

  • If you keep forgetting your homework, create a checklist or pack your bag the night before.

  • If you struggle with math, watch online videos or ask your teacher for extra help.

Celebrate Small Wins

When you succeed, remind yourself that it happened because of your effort. For instance:

  • If you ace a spelling test, think, “I studied hard, and it worked!”

  • If you build something in Minecraft, say, “I did that because I planned it out and stuck with it.”

Reflect Before Bed

Every evening, think about one thing you did well that day and why it happened. Maybe you helped a friend, finished a project, or improved at a skill. Recognize your role in making it happen.

The Motivation Cycle

When you have an internal locus of control, you create a positive feedback loop:

1. You take action.

2. You see results.

3. You feel motivated to keep going.

This cycle keeps you moving forward and helps you tackle challenges with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Motivation isn’t about luck or talent. It’s about believing in your ability to shape your future through effort and action. Start small. Solve a problem, take credit for your success, and watch your motivation grow. Remember, you’re in control of your journey. Take the wheel, and steer yourself toward success!

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Herve Adeotan Idjidina

Life and Business Coach

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